Hyderabad fertility centres face probe over illegal egg harvesting practices

Law enforcement authorities in Hyderabad have arrested several people in connection with illegal egg harvesting operations at fertility centres across the city. Among those arrested are individuals who reportedly rented premises and coordinated between collection points and ART facilities, according to police statements.

The investigation has revealed widespread violations at assisted reproductive technology centres, prompting the State Health and Medical Department to take enforcement action. Of the 44 ART facilities identified during the probe, notices have been issued to 13 centres for regulatory violations related to human egg procurement practices.

The operation appears to have involved a coordinated network where premises were rented specifically for egg collection purposes, with intermediaries facilitating connections between collection sites and fertility clinics. Such unauthorised harvesting practices raise serious concerns about donor consent, health and safety protocols, and adherence to assisted reproductive technology regulations.

The development underscores ongoing challenges in regulating the assisted reproductive technology sector in India, where fertility treatments have become increasingly common but oversight remains inconsistent across states. Authorities have indicated that further investigations are ongoing to identify additional facilities and individuals involved in the illegal operations.